Nine months after it acquired a casino in Bethlehem, Wind Creek Hospitality is shaking up the property’s leadership as part of a slew of changes that are set to be implemented. Brian Carr, the former Executive Vice President and General Manager of the property is leaving after leading the Bethlehem-based casino since mid-2017. Appointed to take his place is Kathy McCracken, who had been serving as the company’s executive vice president of marketing and operations.
Still In Good Hands
As it stands, no details have been released regarding the reason why Brian Carr is leaving the company. Even so, the casino remains in good hands under the leadership of McCracken. The new general manager has a strong background in operations, marketing, and systems which make her a valuable asset to the business.
Since she joined the ranks of the casino as the vice president of marketing back in 2007, she has helped the Bethlehem-based property to become one of the most successful entertainment destinations in the state. Her stellar performance saw her rise to the ranks of senior vice president of marketing in 2016 before becoming the executive vice president of marketing and operations in 2017.
According to James Dorris, the CEO and President of Wind Creek, Kathy brings an unmatchable “upbeat and collaborative leadership” to Wind Creek Bethlehem. Her expertise will certainly play a huge role in the casino’s ongoing expansion efforts.
“Her ability to help the employees continue through the ongoing expansion efforts will be invaluable. We are very pleased that she is willing to lead the team to establish Wind Creek Bethlehem as the premier gaming and entertainment destination in the Northeast,” the Wind Creek chief executive commented.
Since she has been working alongside the top management of the casino, the executives are confident that she will not have to deal with a sharp learning curve. She already has a ton of experience and knowledge to make the transition smooth and swift.
Wind Creek Bethlehem’s Expansion Efforts
As mentioned earlier, one of the things that the new general manager will be assisting the casino with are the ongoing expansion efforts. The casino operator reportedly plans to invest up to a whopping $340 million into these plans. When announcing the appointment of McCracken, the operator revealed that the Bethlehem property is on the verge of taking what they are calling a “monumental step forward”.
This step forward will involve, among other things, a hotel and a water park. Construction on the 13-story hotel is set to begin in April this year. It will then be completed by the end of next year and will cost about $100 million. The water park project, on the other hand, is expected to cost about $250 million.